2017 Lexus ES350 review

2017 Lexus ES350 review
For the longest time, Lexus’ ES model attracted sneers for being the ride of choice for fiscally prudent retirees looking for a reliably comfortable trip to and from the bowls club –2017 lexus es 350 f spor and not much else.

In fact, right from the outset the 2017 lexus es 350 test drive was slammed by the global press for being little more than a tarted-up Camry, albeit with a considerably higher price tag.

So it came as no surprise when Lexus ceased production of right-hand drive variants and gave greater focus to the more popular IS and GS models, at least Down Under.

In 2013, the rebooted Lexus ES resurfaced in local showrooms, only this time as a sixth-generation version boasting an all-new platform, new-look spindle grille and new technology that included the Lexus Remote Touch interface.

Fast-forward to September 2015 and the latest evolution of the Lexus ES emerged wearing aesthetic tweaks inside and out, as well as a major upgrade to standard safety kit.

And while it might still covet that ever-growing retiree set with a passion for lawn bowls and weekend trips to the holiday house, the newest ES looks and feels like a more substantial and, dare I say, more exciting offering than before.

There’s no question some might find the latest version of the Lexus signature grille polarising – it’s clearly bigger and bolder than any previous treatment, but I find it contemporary and one that has dared to push the styling envelope further than its European rivals.

The 2017 lexus es 350 road test new front and rear headlights feature up-to-the-minute LED lighting and a styling treatment in-line with relatively new-look Lexus offerings such as the RC and NX models.

While the range starts with the fuel-efficient ES300h (petrol/electric hybrid) from $63,750 plus on-roads for the Luxury and $71,910 for the Sports Luxury, our all-petrol V6 ES350 Sports Luxury wears a price tag from $72,650.

Lexus’ standard equipment inventories have always been extensive, often with few if any options, but revisions for this latest iteration ES model include a full safety suite makeover featuring Lexus Safety System+, which combines four key technologies into one networked package – pre-collision safety system, lane departure warning, automatic high beam and active cruise control.

,2017 lexus es 350 review, That’s along with all of today’s usual safety systems such as ABS braking, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and traction control. There are also 10 airbags to boot.

Even the entry-level model receives embossed leather-accented trim, rear-view camera with back guide monitor, blind spot warning, driver memory seat, moon roof, satellite navigation and digital radio (DAB).

The $7950 premium for the top-shelf 2017 lexus es 350 ultra luxury Sports Luxury gets you additional creature comforts like a premium Mark Levinson audio system, three-zone climate control with humidity sensor and heated rear seats, passenger seat memory, rear side sunshades and powered boot.

Another more recent Lexus trait 2017 lexus es 350 f sport is the innovative self-restoring coat that allows the car’s clear coat to repair itself in the event of minor damage.

It’s an awful lot of kit for the money, and the only option is a panoramic roof, which adds $2000 to the list 2017 lexus es 350 hybrid price.

Build quality and reliability are two highly regarded brand traits still favoured by corporate bean counters and financially comfortable retirees, and the ES350 delivers those in spades.

Factor in improved looks, 2017 lexus es 350 at night countless creature comforts and a value-for-money proposition better than any of its like-sized rivals, and the Lexus becomes the smart choice against its smaller and less-equipped European rivals.

2017 Lexus ES350 review,